Gulf War Illness

Gulf War Illness Attorney in South Portland, ME

Being a veteran is a proud title to have. After all, what other things are greater than serving and fighting for your country? Veterans have worked hard to protect the nation, and now it is time for them to be cared for. Veterans can suffer from a whole list of illnesses and Gulf War illness is among them. To get compensated, one would need the help of a Gulf War illness attorney from South Portland, ME

Gulf War illness or Gulf War syndrome is a condition that plagued veterans who served in the Gulf War on August 2, 1990. The VA does not formally acknowledge it and has listed it as chronic multisymptom illness or MUCMI which stands for medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness. The symptoms include IBS, respiratory issues and more and an attorney can help you get compensated for this. 

Trusted South Portland Gulf War Illness Attorney 

Experiencing the symptoms of Gulf War illness can impede on one’s daily living. No one deserves to live a life of pain after all they’ve been through defending the country. That’s why Jackson and MacNichol is home to a Gulf War illness attorney who is well-versed with veteran affairs and other concerns related to veterans and the VA benefits they stand to get. 

Talk to a trusted Gulf War illness attorney South Portland ME law firm Jackson and MacNichol is proud to have. Years of experience makes the law office’ veteran affairs lawyer competent in assisting you with filing for benefits, understanding the veterans disability calculations and advocating for you to ensure that you get to live your life to the fullest. You’ve fought for the country, now let Jackson and MacNichol fight for you. Schedule an appointment right now. 

Why do I need a Gulf War Illness Attorney in Maine?

Living day to day with Gulf War illness symptoms such as respiratory issues and IBS can be quite the struggle. In fact any disability incurred by veterans during service weight heavily on them which is why it’s important to obtain benefits and learn the process of filing claims. However, the process involved can be quite complex, hence the need for legal assistance and legal advice from a Gulf War illness attorney in South Portland, ME.

The Gulf War illness attorney in South Portland, ME law firm Jackson and MacNichol works with a team of experienced, dedicated Social Security disability and veterans benefits professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that clients get the compensation they deserve. For 30 years, Jackson and MacNichol has been servicing the state of Maine including areas like Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Rockland, and more. 

In the three decades of service, the attorney has provided:

• Excellent professionalism
• personalized approach to each case in a manner that is suitable for each situation, 
• Cultivating a thriving attorney client relationship

Jackson and MacNichol cares for your needs as a veteran and is passionate about ensuring they get met. Schedule an appointment with a Gulf war illness attorney from South Portland, ME right now.  

What is Gulf War Illness?

Veterans who have been injured at service must qualify for disability in order to receive benefits and Gulf War illness is no exception. A disability calculator helps determine the severity of the injury and how much compensation a veteran can receive for their injuries. Gulf War illness sufferers can get compensation with the help of a veteran benefits attorney who can prove that they acquired their illness during their time of service. 

Gulf War illness is categorized as a multi symptom disease that veterans of the Gulf War. This is so since Gulf War illness encompasses a wide range of symptoms including unexplained fatigue, joint pain, respiratory issues, GERD, IBS, and more. It is also known as Gulf War Syndrome. 

Gulf War illness can take a toll on the day to day existence of a veteran. The professional help of an experienced Gulf War illness attorney in South Portland, ME will guide you on the steps to get the compensation you deserve. 

What is Presumptive Service Connection and What Are the Requirements?

Being service-connected is a way to qualify for compensation without having evidence to prove that the illness you have is service-related or aggravated. Gulf War veterans that have a qualifying chronic military disability are assumed to have acquired their illness during service. However, there are some requirements to this, including: 

• Proving that you are  Gulf War veteran (on active duty in Southwest Asia during Persian Gulf War)
• Having a qualifying chronic disability
• The disability arose during your time in service or at home which has a 10% or higher rating. 

What is a Qualifying Chronic Disability

A qualifying chronic disability is defined by veteran affairs as either an undiagnosed illness, a chronic illness with multiple unexplainable symptoms, and infectious diseases. 

Undiagnosed illnesses are symptoms that have no medical explanations and these are recognized by the VA as entitled for presumptive service connection. The following are quite common to Gulf War veterans including: 

• Cardiovascular symptoms
• Joint pain
• Neurological symptoms
• Skin problems 
• Respiratory problems
• Sleep disturbances
• Gastrointestinal Discomfort

In order for these symptoms to be defined as undiagnosed, a physician must first identify these. If a diagnosis is given, you could not be entitled to presumptive service connection. 

Chronic Multisymptom Illnesses include fibromyalgia, fatigue, and IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. Chronic diseases must manifest themselves for six months or more. The illness must have started the moment you were in service or the period after you came home. Infectious disease are recognized by the VA as linked to Gulf War service such as: mycobacterium tuberculosis, nontyphoid salmonella, and campylobacter jejuni. 

What are the Exemptions to Presumptive Service Connection 

There are instances wherein you meet the requirements for presumptive service connection but are still denied benefits. These instances include:

• An instance that caused the disability after the service
• Proof that service did not cause the disability
• Your negligence caused the disability

In this instance, you can still apply for disability compensation via a direct service connection.

Call our Maine Gulf War Illness Attorney Now!

Veterans have risked their lives to ensure that the country is protected and safe. For that, it is inevitable that they get injured ranging from mild injuries to serious ones and the serious ones can impact them for all the rest of their lives. For this, it is a must that they receive compensation. However, the road to getting their lives back on track can be quite complicated. 

If you or a loved one are a Gulf War veteran, know that it is in your best interests to get in touch with a Gulf War illness attorney from Jackson and MacNichol who can help you navigate the intricacies and help you back on your feet again. Schedule an appointment right now.